Zoning Counselor (Planner II)

Sarasota County; United States; On-site; USD 64,812 - 80,828; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness programs

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Sarasota County is seeking a Zoning Counselor to support the Zoning Administrator and team in enforcing the County's Zoning Ordinance. The role involves assisting residents, developers, and staff with zoning matters and contributing to community planning projects.

Responsibilities include handling inquiries, updating the Unified Development Code, reviewing zoning applications, and representing the division at meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, or related field with 4+ years of related planning experience or zoning administration experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 1 year of required work experience.
• Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for zoning inquiries, guiding property use, setbacks, and regulations.
• Assist with updates to the Unified Development Code and zoning determinations.
• Support review and processing of zoning applications, amendments, appeals, and BZA activities.
• Represent the Zoning Division at meetings and outreach events, collaborating with stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance to the Zoning Plans Review team and monitor workloads.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and delivery of zoning services.

Skills

Zoning regulations

Planning

GIS mapping

Communication

Customer service

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning/Geography

Master’s degree may substitute for 1 year

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Planning & Development Services seeks a Zoning Counselor to support the Zoning Administrator and the Zoning team. The role involves administering and enforcing the County's Zoning Ordinance, assisting residents, developers, and County staff with zoning-related matters, and contributing to projects that shape the community. The position offers a salary range starting at $64,812.80 to $80,828.80, based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for zoning inquiries, providing guidance on property use, setbacks, and zoning regulations.
• Research, draft, and assist with updates to the Unified Development Code, zoning determinations, development reviews, and presentations to advisory boards and the County Commission.
• Support the review and processing of zoning applications, text amendments, appeals, and Board of Zoning Appeals activities.
• Represent the Zoning Division at development review meetings, workshops, and community outreach events, collaborating with developers, neighborhood groups, and Code Enforcement.
• Assist the Zoning Plans Review team by providing technical guidance, monitoring workloads, and helping ensure performance goals are achieved.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and support the efficient delivery of zoning services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

About the Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Typical schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (no weekends). County employees may be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, or a closely related field with 4+ years of related professional planning experience or experience in zoning administration or code enforcement with public agencies. OR a Master’s degree may substitute for 1 year of required work experience. OR management may substitute years of related work experience for the required education (year-for-year).
• Valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities (not required but beneficial):

• Experience with zoning regulations, land use, property records, and related ordinances.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, construction drawings, deeds, easements, and GIS mapping.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills with the ability to explain regulations and work with diverse customers.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to manage multiple priorities; flexibility to attend evening meetings as needed.

Other Requirements

• Subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening; a failed test may disqualify an applicant for 5 years.
• Physical Demands: occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability (Short-Term and Long-Term), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Florida Retirement System, and various plans with preventative care options.
• 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, and 16 paid vacation days in the first year (with accruals that increase with years of service).
• Wellness programs and access to county facilities; Sarasota County is a tobacco-free/drug-free workplace.
• Application process may include phone, Microsoft Teams video, or in-person interviews. If selected, review the Required First Day Documents and bring documentation such as I-9 documents and the U.S. Social Security Card as part of onboarding.

For assistance with the application, please contact Human Resources. Sarasota County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.